R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 20

Indonesia — Java; Probolinggo and Tenggeran Batik

Welcom to Probolinggo, Java, Indonesia

This series started way back in January with Singapore, and continued into Indonesia with that series beginning on 18 March. Well, the end is in sight. This week I cover our last destination on this trip with a look at Probolinggo, Java. First up on the tour Ursula had planned for us was a very special ride:

Our rickshaw “taxis” awaited the entire group

I must admit that this was a rather unique experience.

Rickshaw touring

You can certainly te...

Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 5

Framing Pura Tanah Lot

Today is our last look at Bali before moving on to our next, and final, Indonesia destination. Next week I’ll show you Probolinggo, Java. Until then:

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Indonesia — Bali; Tanah Lot back to Benoa

Tanah Lot (right) and Sunset Beach (black sand)

On Monday I promised some closer views of the small, rocky island of Tanah Lot and the temple that sits atop that island. Visit to Tanah Lot is prohibited, but if you get to the nearby black sand beach at low tide you can wade pretty close to it. Or, if you have a good zoom, you can keep your tennies dry and still get some great shots:

Tanah Lot Tanah Lot

There’s some nice foliage in the area as well:

Bali color

Time to head back to ...

Indonesia — Bali; Pura Batu Bolong and Tanah Lot

Balinese Rice Field

Along the southeast coast of Bali reside two Hindu temples about 1,000 feet/300 meters apart. One is built on an outcropping that juts out into the Indian Ocean. The other sits atop the small island of Tanah Lot less than 100 feet/30 meters from shore. These temples are known as Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Tanah Lot. As you approach the area between the two you’ll find it easy to determine which is which:

Pura Batu Bolong to the left and… … Pura Tanah Lot to the left...

Why Dash Cams are a Good Idea

The following is a recording of an accident my dash cam captured on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 in El Paso, Texas on North Mesa at Remcon. When we got to our destination I called the regional police substation and advised that I had a video. Alas, I guess visual evidence was not important enough to warrant an EPPD officer following up with me to obtain a copy. At any rate, I’ve cropped the video to enlarge the relevant scene, as my dash cam has an enormous 140º view.

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Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 4

Pura Batu Bolong/Tanah Lot panorama

Today is the fourth of five Fun Photo Fridays featuring Bali favorites. Next week I will finish up with Bali, Indonesia, and indeed this entire journey which began in Singapore.

Bali yellowhead reticulated python Meru Towers Inside a Moat Hindu Temple Guardian of the Moat Some Balinese Hindu Colors

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Indonesia — Bali; Pura Taman Ayun Part 3

A couple of friendly Balinese hosts

While the inner sanctuary at Taman Ayun holds the most sacred sites within this compound, there are other things to capture your interest in the midde and outer courtyards as well. So, today I’m going to just give you a taste of what’s available to see in all three areas. Below is today’s Taman Ayun photo gallery/slide show. Click on any image to enlarge it and to engage the slide show:

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Indonesia — Bali; Pura Taman Ayun Part 2

The temples within the inner sanctuary at Taman Ayun

For more information on Pura Taman Ayun, above and beyond what’s available on Wikipedia, I would like to refer you to this link: Experience Bali’s Cultural Treasure, Taman Ayun Temple! and The Ultimate Guide to Taman Ayun Temple. There you will find much more in the way of photographs and explanations of the various sights. And among those sights is the entrance leading to the inner sanctum of this incredible compound:

Entrance to the Ta...

Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 3

Ursula About to Abscond with an Apple (just kidding)

Today is part three of five Fun Photo Fridays featuring Bali favorites:

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Fun Photo Friday — Fun Photo Friday — Bali Favorites 3

Ursula About to Abscond with an Apple (just kidding)

Today is part three of five Fun Photo Fridays featuring Bali favorites:

Слава Україні! (Slava Ukraini!)